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Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are the perfect easy prep-ahead breakfast recipe. Throw them in a jar and take them on the go! Made vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and requiring only 5 minutes of prep time.
Peanut butter oats make breakfast 10x better
Prepping breakfast ahead of time is one of my favorite things in the world, because then I get to wake up in the morning and breakfast is already made for me.
Plus, it’s way easier to eat healthy that way. Setting yourself up for a successful day of eating starts with making a nutritious choice for breakfast, and I find that prepping my meals is the key to doing so.
And that’s why this overnight oats recipe is one of my favorites. Where many breakfasts get stale or icky by day 3 or 4, overnight oats last for up to 5 days, so they’re perfect for prepping for the entire week ahead. And you don’t have to get sick of them, because you can switch up the toppings every day in order to keep things exciting! Plus they have a super thick texture!
On most days I like to top these creamy peanut butter overnight oats with banana slices. And if you follow my recipe to a T, your oats will also have creamy peanut butter swirls. Yep, swirls and stirs of creamy, salty, peanut butter. Yum.
A healthier snack or breakfast option
Creamy peanut butter overnight oats are a wonderful breakfast option for more than just their great taste. These oats are made with a handful of healthy ingredients like almond milk, peanut butter, chia seeds, maple syrup (a fabulous all natural sweetener) and rolled oats.
That being said, they’re loaded with protein, healthy fats, fiber, and complex carbs. These oats have all of the main macros and are a great option for feeling full and satisfied all morning. So much deliciousness.
Ingredients in creamy peanut butter overnight oats
Only 6 main ingredients are needed to form the main part of this recipe, then just add whichever toppings you’d like. We’ll start with rolled oats and chia seeds before adding our liquid, sweetener, and of course, our peanut butter!
- Rolled oats: First up, we’ll be using rolled oats as the base. We will use 1 cup. If preferred, use a certified gluten-free type and you can use quick oats if you are in a pinch!
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds help to thicken up this recipe while also providing lots of healthy nutrients. 1.5 tbsp will be plenty – they go a long way!
- Almond milk: For the liquid, grab 1 cup of almond milk.
- Maple syrup: As an all-natural sweetener, maple syrup wins every time. It’s perfect for these oats in the amount of 2 tbsp. Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup!
- Natural peanut butter: We’ll obviously be using peanut butter in these creamy pb oats! Use 3 tbsp for the best flavor.
- Sea salt: Finally, add a pinch of sea salt for flavor.
Note: Add an extra splash of almond milk before eating for creamier oats.
Tools needed to make peanut butter oatmeal
There are only a couple of things you’ll need for this recipe, since there is zero cooking or baking involved. Just grab a mixing bowl, fork, measuring cups, and the containers you’ll be using for storage!
- Large mixing bowl
- Fork to whisk
- Mason jars or other containers
- Measuring cups: 1/2 tbsp, 1 tbsp, and 1 cup
How to make overnight oats
Overnight oats are one of those recipes where you just do a few things to prep, and then the dish essentially prepares itself. For this oatmeal recipe just do a bit of mixing, place in the fridge, and wait!
To begin, mix the oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt in a bowl.
Using a fork, lightly whisk in the peanut butter. I like to leave some peanut butter swirls, so I don’t blend all the way.
Finally, pour the mix into mason jars or container to store.
Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. My recommendation is to let them sit for at least 8-10, which is why I call them overnight oats!
Refresh with a splash of almond milk before eating, and enjoy!
Peanut butter overnight oats recipe topping ideas
There are so many fun ways to take overnight oats up a notch with fun toppings.
Some of my favorites include bananas, blueberries, chia seeds, coconut flakes, nuts, and a drizzle of nut butter.
You can also add dried berries, a maple syrup drizzle, granola, sprinkles, or even chocolate syrup!
How long does it take to make overnight oatmeal?
The best part about creamy peanut butter overnight oats is that they only take 5 minutes to make. Seriously, just 5. Mix and toss the oats into their containers, and you have a meal (or meals) prepped and ready to go!
You can meal prep these ahead of time and keep them in your fridge for up to one week. It’s a great option for those who like to prep the week’s food ahead of time!
What’s the best way to eat peanut butter overnight oats?
I love to eat my pb overnight oats right out of the jar! They hold up really well, keep a great consistency, and are like a blank canvas for toppings.
I like to top mine with slices of banana, blueberries, granola, chocolate chips, strawberries, and nut butter, but the options truly are endless!
How to make overnight oats video:
More recipes to indulge your sweet tooth
I couldn’t close this post without giving you more recipes featuring… peanut butter! I know what it’s like to get on a peanut butter kick, so I have you covered for your next few baking experiments. While you’re at it, you have to try the homemade peanut butter ice cream!
- Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Bread
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola
- Peanut Butter Baked Banana Oatmeal Cups
- No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
- Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Banana Ice Cream
Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
Creamy Peanut Butter Overnight Oats are the perfect easy prep-ahead breakfast recipe. Throw them in a jar and take them on the go! Made vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, and requiring only 5 minutes of prep time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (certified gluten-free if GF)
- 1 1/2 tbsp. chia seeds
- 1 cup almond milk
- 2 tbsp. maple syrup
- 3 tbsp. natural peanut butter
- Pinch of sea salt.
*add splash of almond milk in morning for creamier oats
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix oats, almond milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and salt.
- With a fork, lightly whisk in the peanut butter. I like to leave some peanut butter swirls not fully blended.
- Pour into mason jars or containers to store.
- Cover and place in fridge for at least 4 hours. My recommendation is to leave them in for 8-10 hours
- Refresh with splash of almond milk before eating.
Toppings:
- Add banana, berries, chia seeds, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter for added yum
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Madeline says
I’ve had these oats on repeat for breakfast the past month!! They are so easy to make and delish! My 7am-self rushing out the door on the way to work thanks me when I’ve prepped these ahead of time haha
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Madeline, so glad you liked it!! 🙂
Hailey Royal says
I LOVE these overnight oats. I’m a sucker for anything peanut butter and the fact that they only take a few minutes to prep makes it even better. They are super filling and just need a splash of milk the next morning and they’re good to go!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Hailey, so glad you loved them!!
Faith says
I use this as the base recipe for almost every overnight oat recipe I make. Cannot recommend enough
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Faith, it is so easy isn’t it?
Brittany says
The absolute best!! I make them every week! They keep you full till lunch! I recommended this recipe to so many friends as well!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Brittany, thanks for sharing! Glad you love them so much!!
Jennings Modla says
The BEST overnight oats recipe I’ve ever had. Such an affordable and delicious breakfast for a college gal living on a budget.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jennings, so happy you loved it!!
Andi says
I used to hate overnight oats until I made these – so creamy and perfectly flavored. Wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I double or triple and make it for the whole week and top with fresh fruit – so convenient and delicious!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Andi, so happy you liked them so much!!
Maria R says
I am OBSESSED with these! I don’t know how it’s taken me this long to leave a review! Between the OG recipe and then adding cocoa powder, I can make these every week and not get tired of them. Thank you for helping me to avoid ALL the carbs I typically crave at breakfast!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Maria, I am so glad you love the oats so much!! Thanks for sharing!!
Amelia says
I make these all the time and love them! So good, perfect for bringing to work for a quick and easy breakfast!!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Amelia, so glad you loved them!
Katie says
By far the best overnight oats I’ve made. The chia seeds really make the difference to me! I used honey since I didn’t have maple syrup, natural almond butter, and topped it with banana slices, crushed up pecans and coconut flakes. Next time I’m going to mash up a ton of raspberries for a PB&J version! New fave breakfast item for sure!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Katie, I am so happy you enjoyed them and great toppings!!
Devon says
I’ve made these so many times for myself, my mom, and my dad and we all LOVE them. Whenever I don’t know what to make, this recipe is always one of the first that my mom requests 🙂
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Devon, so happy your family loves them! 🙂
Rene says
Love these. So easy and versatile for a variety of toppings. ❤️
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Rene, I am so happy you love it!
Jill K says
This recipe made me love overnight oats. it is SO. GOOD. Especially, the trick of adding in a splash of almond milk before serving. Sometimes I swap the splash of almond milk for a splash of vanilla oat creamer (So Delicious brand is my favorite) to make it super creamy and sweeter (I sometimes omit the maple syrup when I want less added sugar). I crave this recipe and need to make it on a regular basis.
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jill, I am so glad you love it and made it your own! 🙂
Maddie says
I made a pumpkin version of this and it was delish! Super creamy & just sweet. Perfect post-workout breakfast to refuel and keep you satisfied. Love topping with fruit and nut butter.
Erin says
Hi Maddie, thanks for sharing and great toppings! 🙂
Lauren says
Love these overnight oats!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Lauren, thanks for sharing and rating!
Sarah says
I’ve been looking for a recipe to make me love oats…. and this is it. I’m obsessed with these and have eaten them every day since I tried them. I subbed cashew milk and they’re perfect!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Sarah, ah I am so happy to hear that and love you made it your own!
erin n says
These are so good. Staple in my house! I made the apple pie overnight oats using this recipe, FREAKING DELICIOUS. I did chunks instead of grated apple!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Erin, thanks for your kind words! I am so happy you liked them!
Julie says
Best overnight oats recipe I have found! It keeps you full all morning and tastes amazing cold with some fresh fruit on top. I am a busy college student, so this is the perfect breakfast to always have prepared and ready to go! So easy!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Julie, I am so glad you like my recipe. I love the convenience of them too. Wishing you all the best with school!
Adele says
These are CRAZY good! The recipe seem too simple and too good to be true, but they’re incredible! Mixed in a bit of pea protein for a balanced meal ☺️
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Adele, so glad you like them and love that you added in protein too!
Marcela says
I forgot to rate it! 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ Off course it gets 5 stars!!! 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Marcela! Thank you so much!! 🙂
Jenna says
BEST overnight oats recipe. Added cacao powder and extra almond milk per Erin’s suggestion from her Instagram and they were incredible!
★★★★★
Erin says
Hi Jenna, I’m thrilled you love the oats and made it your own! 🙂